Paper claim: Malvinas-Falklands join Argentina... on new banknote
More than 30 years after Argentinian forces made a failed attempt to seize the Falkland Islands from the British, Argentina’s Central Bank has announced the introduction of a 50 peso note with the archipelago emblazoned on the front.
On the reverse side of the colorful note is an image of Antonio Rivero, the Argentinian rebel leader who led an 1833 uprising in an effort to reclaim the islands from the British. Rivero, today a folk hero in the South American country, is pictured on horseback waving an Argentinian flag above his head.
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The new banknote, which is worth £3.70 ($4.20), is scheduled to
enter circulation next month.
Central Bank President Alejandro Vanoli explained that the goal
of the new banknote is to “incorporate the Argentine nation's
unwavering claim over the Islas Malvinas [as they are known
locally] into an element of daily use.”
Last April, Argentine President Cristina Kirchner announced the
creation of the new 50 peso note at an event commemorating the
32nd anniversary of the Falklands War.
She unveiled a large model of the banknote that had been covered
by the Argentinian flag.
A spokesman told the Daily Mail: “This is a homage to our
Islas Malvinas and to all those who gave their lives to this
cause. It will compel every Argentine to keep alive on a daily
basis the flames of love for our islands, which are and always
will be ours.”
We're Falkland Islanders. We're a British Overseas Territory. We're Proud. #Falklandspic.twitter.com/O3jktq3Cr2
— Falkland Islands (@falklands_utd) February 22, 2015
Kelpers, the name of the people who inhabit the Falkland Islands, responded to news of the banknote with their own brand of humor.
Argentina's new bank note.. Surprised they can afford a colour printer. #Falklands#ComedyKirchnerpic.twitter.com/k8PiCcjcPg
— Falkland Islands (@falklands_utd) February 23, 2015
News of the banknote is predicted to upset Britain, which lost
255 soldiers in the conflict that began on April 2, 1982, and
ended 74 days later with Argentina surrendering.
Argentina lost 649 soldiers in the conflict.
In the time it took to unveil, the note went from being able to buy 2 slices of bread to 1. #Inflation#Falklandspic.twitter.com/PQG9v9lst1
— Falkland Islands (@falklands_utd) February 24, 2015
The Falkland Islands have long been a source of tension between
Britain and Argentina. A British territory since 1833, Argentina
has always claimed the archipelago as its own after receiving it
from Spain in the 1800s.
In 1982, Argentina invaded the Falklands in an effort to reclaim
the island chain. Britain responded by sending troops to defend
its overseas territory and citizens. In 2013, a referendum saw
99.8 percent of voters declare a preference to remain under
British rule.
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Following recent news that Argentina is planning to acquire Russian fighter jets, Britain said it would send £228 million-worth of “super missiles” to provide its contested overseas territories with extra protection.
Meanwhile, tensions over the archipelago between Britain and Argentina is also aggravated by the possible large oil reserves that are believed to exist in the contested area.
In 2013, Argentine lawmakers passed legislation that would result in punishment and possible prison sentences on anyone caught exploring the Falklands’ continental shelf without its explicit permission.